Okonkwo trains with Arsenal first team pre-Nottingham Forest despite transfer links 

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that English-born Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is training with Arsenal's first team ahead of their showdown against Nottingham Forest despite speculation linking him with a departure from the Emirates Stadium before the close of the transfer window.

The Gunners are warming up for Saturday's Premier League opener and Okonkwo participated in their latest training session. 

The recent departure of Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest will not change Okonkwo's position in the pecking order of goalkeepers as Arsenal are on the brink of concluding a deal for highly-rated Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. 

The Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper is believed to be keeping up his fitness by training with the first team ahead of a permanent departure from the Gunners, whom he joined fourteen years ago.

It has been agreed that Okonkwo can leave Arsenal before the close of the summer transfer window and it's only a matter of time before he joins a new club. 

The 21-year-old is attracting interest from Football League clubs and teams across Europe including Germany. 

Last season, Okonkwo enjoyed loan spells with Crewe Alexandra in the League Two and Sturm Graz with whom he won the Austrian Cup.

He was left out of Arsenal's tour squad to Germany and United States, fueling speculation that a transfer is on the cards.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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